Greek Pasta Salad With Feta

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Greek Orzo Salad is a summer favorite you’ll want to enjoy all year round. Its bright colors make for an amazing presentation, and the best part, it’s super easy to make.

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Original recipe: July 2021 | Updated: June 2024

I love cooking with my sister. She and I have the same passion for creating and sharing delicious food. Many years ago, we came up with this delicious salad to serve for a backyard BBQ with family and friends. It quickly became a favorite and has been a hit ever since!

Another salad we developed together is this Caesar Pasta Salad. So good!

Why I adore Greek orzo salad with feta cheese

Fresh Ingredients: You can get all of these crisp veggies and fragrant basil from your local farmer’s market.

Feta Cheese: The tangy feta cheese adds a delightful creaminess that elevates every bite. If you are a feta lover like me, try this Pecan & Pear Salad.

Perfect for Cookouts: It’s my go-to for Memorial Day and Fourth of July cookouts. The bright flavors and colorful presentation always impress guests.

Meal Prep Friendly: This salad is perfect for meal prepping. I love having it in the fridge for a quick, light lunch throughout the week. It’s also an excellent vegetarian option for your potluck dining table.

Is orzo rice or pasta?

Orzo is actually pasta, not rice. Despite its small, rice-like shape, orzo is a short-cut pasta traditionally made from white flour, though it can also be made from whole grains. It’s a versatile ingredient that cooks quickly, making it a convenient alternative to rice in many recipes.

The best Greek salad ingredients

You can find the complete list of ingredients in the recipe card below.

Salad

• Feta Cheese: If you aren’t a huge fan of feta, try substituting Cotija cheese or goat cheese. They both will give you a similar texture.
• Cherry Tomatoes – Cut in half from the stem down. In the summer months, I’ll substitute fresh tomatoes from my garden.
• Fresh basil – To get basil ribbons, stack, roll, and slice the basil.
• Kalamata Olives – Black olives are an excellent substitute. Be sure the olives of your choice are pitted.
• Red Bell Pepper – Feel free to substitute green bell pepper or yellow bell pepper in this healthy summer salad.
• Cucumber – Instead of large chunks dice the crunchy cucumbers into bite-size pieces. English cucumbers are a great choice or I love Persian cucumbers in this greek salad.
• Raw Red Onions – I like to dice the onion tiny, almost minced.

Dressing

• Olive oil – Use high-quality olive oil for this recipe.
• Oregano – If you want to use fresh Oregano, add three times the amount listed.
• Salt – Feta Cheese can be a little salty. Don’t over-salt the salad.
• Red Wine Vinegar – Lemon juice is a great substitution for red wine vinegar.

How to make Greek pasta salad feta

Step 1: Cook the Orzo

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the orzo and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the orzo and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
4. Set aside.

Pro Tip: Stir the orzo often so that it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

1. While the orzo is cooking, dice the red bell pepper and cucumber.
2. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
3. Dice the red onion and slice the Kalamata olives. Sometimes I’ll leave them whole.
4. Cut the fresh basil into thin ribbons.

Step 3: Make the best Greek dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, red bell pepper, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
2. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
3. Add the fresh basil ribbons and give the salad one final toss.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

1. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
2. Serve chilled, and enjoy!

Storage

Fridge: This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You may need to add a bit of olive oil and lemon juice to restore moisture, as the pasta tends to absorb the dressing over time.

Variations

Protein: Add grilled shrimp, chicken, or steak to this flavorful salad.

Cheese: Swap out the feta for blue cheese, goat cheese, or cubed provolone for a different flavor profile.

Citrus Twist: Substitute lemon juice for the red wine vinegar, or use apple cider vinegar for a unique tang.

Extra Veggies: Consider adding corn, yellow bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and texture.

What to serve with this orzo salad recipe

Greek Orzo Salad with feta cheese is a versatile and flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of options. Here are some great choices to serve alongside your pasta salad:

• Pita Bread – Love this salad with some yummy soft pita bread.
• Burgers & Brats – We also serve it often with my Cast-Iron Burgers.
• Grilled Chicken or Steak – Really anything you put on the grill will go with this delicious easy salad.

Greek feta salad recipe tips

• My top tip for this dish is to be prepared for the pasta to absorb the dressing over time. If you plan on storing the salad for over a few hours, save some extra dressing to toss in just before serving. If the salad needs a little extra moisture the next day, a splash of lemon juice and olive oil works wonders.
• Don’t hesitate to experiment with other vegetables in this salad. While I’ve kept it close to an authentic Greek salad, I also love adding yellow bell peppers, sweet corn, or a touch of sweetness with craisins. The possibilities are endless!

More amazing salad recipes

Pesto Pasta Salad

Traditional Macaroni Salad

Chicken Caesar Salad

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